You’ve decided it’s time for a ‘t-break’ & wondering if you can enjoy CBD in the meantime. Luckily, I’ve done some first-hand research to see if CBD could help or hurt the process of getting that sky-high tolerance back to earth.
CBD won’t increase your tolerance to THC. Since it is non-intoxicating, it shouldn’t be considered ‘breaking’ your t-break. Try Full-Spectrum CBD which may be useful in reducing cravings, withdrawal symptoms, & levels of THC in your system. We’d recommend CBD Oils or Flower/Vapes. Great options for those who already enjoy Cannabis.
Does CBD Affect THC Tolerance??
Consuming CBD won’t affect your tolerance to THC.
As you probably already know, THC & CBD are two different cannabinoids. Not only do these two compounds produce different effects but they are also recieved by your body differently. While THC binds mainly to CB1 receptors located in your brain, CBD binds to CB2 receptors located throughout the body rather than the brain.
A 2018 study from the journal of Psychopharmacology examined the result of CBD on THC levels. The conclusion was that CBD may reduce THC metabolism and/or the effects of THC.
But, the scientists also noted that while CBD reduces some effects of THC, it may enhance others. Acknowledging the many studies that pointing to a positive overall benefit to taking CBD alongside THC!
The Case for Full Spectrum CBD
Science, alongside real-world feedback has made it clear that Full-Spectrum CBD tends to work best. Mother Nature intended these two compounds to be together, not apart!
So, for most everyone we would consider full-spectrum to be the first option. While THC-Free sounds useful for a tolerance break, you may find out that you’re just wasting your time & money.
This is because your body is already tolerant to cannabinoids. So, in all likelihood you will need a decent amount of CBD to properly feel its effects. When choosing THC-Free CBD, dosage is usually higher due to the lack of the synergy between the two compounds.
When you take full-spectrum CBD, you are experiencing the benefits of everything the Cannabis plant has to offer. Dosage will be lower & you’ll find more potent relief quickly.
Will 0.3% THC Keep My Tolerance From Resetting?
A valid concern, but one that can be quickly answered. Let’s first understand just how stark of a difference THC levels are in Hemp vs. Marijuana.
To be legally considered Hemp, plants must test at 0.3% THC or less. Anything over this threshold is considered to be Marijuana. Although this would be considered ‘low’ THC in the realm of MJ strains.
A 2016 study entitled “Changes in Cannabis Potency over the Last Two Decades” examined the increased levels of THC over time. The results: between 1995 & 2014 THC levels (on average) have risen from 4% to 12%. While CBD levels have dropped from 0.28% to <0.15%! Nowadays, we are seeing strains with upward of 25-30% THC content with 0% CBD.
So, when you take full-spectrum CBD you’re consuming a lot less THC than what’s in Marijuana. You shouldn’t worry about this small amount as more than likely it will only help you feel better. 0.3% is a very small fraction of the amount you’re likely used to. So, bring on the full-spectrum.
Does it “Count” If I Use CBD?
Your tolerance break is just that; it’s yours. So, you make the rules! Now, we’re not enabling you to cut yourself short or to excuse edibles from the tolerance break.
Since CBD is non-intoxicating, we would consider using it while on a tolerance break to be completely fine! Your THC-tolerance won’t be affected & it can really help you stay afloat in the meantime. Because although taking a break is great, life isn’t always easy & sometimes we just need a little help.
A case study focusing on CBD for Cannabis withdrawal symptoms shows promising results! A 27 year old male who maintained a ‘daily addiction’ to Cannabis alongside his bipolar diagnosis found success when using CBD as an alternative. Stating that he felt less anxious & was getting better sleep! After beginning CBD, he also didn’t consume any Marijuana. A sign of CBD’s potential to help you reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
We believe that CBD will help you get through your tolerance break successfully! But, you are the captain of your own ship! If you feel you just want to stay as far away from THC as possible, then so be it.
What Kind of CBD Should I Use?
You might be wondering what might work best for you on your ‘t-break’. Since you’re already a connoisseur of Cannabis, we would recommend some of the higher absorption rate methods such as CBD Flower / Vaporizers or Oil Tinctures.
For those who enjoy smoking, CBD Flower / Vapes can be an excellent option. As you are already used to the action of smoking, this can be useful to help you stick with it. It is the quickest & holds the highest absorption rate amongst the different ways to take CBD.
CBD Oil is a great choice because it still offers the next highest absorption rate, & it’s effects last longer than inhalable methods. So, you won’t have to keep taking CBD over & over to stay afloat. It offers the next-quickest effects next to flower/vapes. Lastly, Oils are useful as you can get a larger dose in a very short period of time because you can fill/empty the dropper to alter dosage.
We wouldn’t recommend things like Capsules or Gummies. This is because absorption rate on the methods is extremely low due to digestion.
Where oils & inhalable don’t get processed through the gut, gummies & capsules do. So, you will only absorb around 10-20% of the dosage after your body is finished processing it. Meaning you’re gonna have to take a whole lot to feel a little!
Final Thoughts
Taking CBD can be really helpful when you’re trying to stick to a t-break. It won’t effect your THC-tolerance negatively & you’ll likely find that you’re having an easier time coasting through life without the good stuff. You can always go back & rehash (no pun intended) your relationship with THC into a healthy one!
Try some CBD on your next tolerance break. See just how much it can help you stick with your goal of resetting those receptors. When you come back to THC, you can even try combining CBD alongside it to get the best of both worlds. We think you’d be pleasantly surprised with how much CBD can enhance THC.
Good luck with your t-break; you got this! If you need some CBD to help get you through, you’ve come to the right place 🙂
0 Comments for “Using CBD During a Tolerance Break”